A preservative called thimerosal was found to cause problems in about 10 percent of patients, so most brands do not use it nowadays. Thimerosal-free saline is usually marked "for sensitive eyes." But over time, lipids and proteins that normally get blinked away start to build up on your lenses. And then, exposure to sunlight and other factors cause them to break down. That’s where the problems start. C ontact lenses become coated with a protein-rich film soon after being placed on the eye. In the short term, this improves wettability and reduces friction, making lenses more comfortable. Over time, the protein (mostly lysozyme) can denature and firmly adhere to the lens surface. Bound protein can decrease comfort and vision, and in some cases precipitate a giant papillary conjunctivitis. Increased Risk of Infection: The accumulated proteins can serve as a breeding ground for bacteria, increasing the risk of eye infections.

These denatured protein deposits are essentially dead. They lose all of their beneficial, eye-protecting qualities. In fact, denatured proteins trigger an inflammatory immune response similar to when your body tries to fight off foreign invaders. The instructions for the devices are all a little different. In general, you first rinse the lenses, using either saline or multipurpose solution as directed. One brand requires rubbing with the saline, but most are no-rub.While cleaning them does remove some protein, it can still build up on your lenses and make them uncomfortable. That's why the longer you wear lenses before replacing them, the more likely you are to need a protein remover. For example, if you wear disposables, you probably won't need one; but if you wear the kind of lenses that are replaced only once or twice a year, you definitely will. Products for removing protein include enzymatic cleaner and daily protein removal liquids. The latest approach to limiting protein-binding to lens surfaces is the application of methods of plasma polymerization, a modification of the surface layer of the lens at the molecular level. The resulting impact on ionization of the lens surface affects both wettability and deposit resistance. Variations of this technique are employed to improve the surface characteristics of CIBA Vision"s Focus Night & Day and Bausch & Lomb"s PureVision silicone hydrogel lenses. Delays also often occur at Easter because the depots are shut on Easter Monday & Good Friday and hence post builds up.

Practitioners and patients alike misinterpret the "no separate enzyme required" phrase many multi-purpose solutions include in their labeling as meaning "enzyme included." These products do not include an enzyme. Rather, they are formulated to include other elements that help to remove protein and prevent it from binding to lens surfaces. These products are safe and FDA-approved, or they couldn't be sold. But there are potential problems. Sometimes private label products are made from older formulations, which don't offer the same advantages as newer products.

Contact Lens Care Must-Knows

Reduced Visual Acuity: Protein buildup can obscure the lens, leading to blurriness or reduced vision.

Multi-purpose solution may contain preservatives, which is sometimes not very friendly to some patients. They are advised to use hydrogen peroxide solution as it is preservative-free. Proteins are naturally occurring molecules in our bodies, and they play a crucial role in the normal functioning of the human eye. Tears, for instance, contain numerous proteins that help protect and lubricate the eyes, maintaining overall eye health. Daily protein remover also removes protein from your lenses, but it's in liquid form and you use it daily. You use it during disinfection with multipurpose solution. Some lens holders for hydrogen peroxide systems have a built-in neutralizer (to convert the hydrogen peroxide to water, so it doesn't sting your eyes), but with others you need to add a neutralizing tablet. Never touch solution bottle tips to any surface, including your body: this can cause contamination of the solution.After the disinfection and neutralizing step is completed, you can remove the lenses from the case and put them on.